Mayo hotelier elected Irish Hotels Federation president
THE Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) has elected Michael Lennon as its new president for a two-year term.
A fifth generation hotelier with over 25 years’ experience in the hotel sector, Mr. Lennon, who operates the Westport Woods Hotel, succeeds Joe Dolan as IHF president.
The IHF is the leading representative tourism body in Ireland, representing almost 1,000 hotels and guesthouses, which employ over 60,000 people throughout the country.
During his term, Mr. Lennon will give priority to addressing the ongoing challenges facing the hotel and guesthouse sector, focusing on ensuring that the right business environment exists to support the sustained growth of Irish tourism.
His key priorities include mitigating the risks posed to the industry from Brexit, tackling the high cost of doing business in Ireland, increased marketing and product development support for tourism, particularly in the regions, and the continued expansion of skills and training support for employees within the tourism and hospitality industry.
“Tourism has enjoyed strong growth in recent years. 2017 was a record year for the sector and the signs are promising for 2018. The renewed confidence felt by hoteliers can be seen in the growing numbers employed within the sector with tourism now supporting over 230,000 jobs, making it Ireland’s largest indigenous employer.
“It is also reflected in the increased investment taking place in hotels, from refurbishment and expansion to new developments, particularly in the case of Dublin, where it is much needed,” he said.
“However, there are serious challenges that need to be tackled to ensure the sustained growth of the tourism and hospitality sector. Chief among these is Brexit, which poses a particular risk to tourism in the regions.”
A native of Co. Carlow, Michael Lennon is a graduate of the College of Catering, Cathal Brugha Street. He began his career in Chicago before returning to Ireland, where he initially worked with the Great Southern Hotel Group before joining Brian McEniff Hotels. Together with his wife, Joanne McEniff, he owns and runs the Westport Woods Hotel, which they bought over twenty years ago.
Michael has been an active member of the Mayo branch of the Irish Hotels Federation for over 20 years and was heavily involved in the establishment of the Destination Westport marketing group, which has led to substantial public and private partnership investment in the town. He currently serves as a member of the Federation’s National Executive Council and prior to his election was vice-president.